This is an exciting time for the Bay Area—the acacias, magnolias, flowering cherries, and flowering plums are all in bloom!

Sadly, we have none of those in the test garden, and it’s as slow as can be out there. To top it off, I’m feeling some disappointment about this year’s big winter veggie garden. Last year brought us this looker:

This year I have a bunch of stunted cabbage and bolting broccoli. Did I not add enough compost? Did I start things too late? Can I blame the weather?!

COMMENTS

HankShaw

Funny, I am also going to be growing red orach this year! I like the idea of a spinach-like green you can eat in high summer. Chard seems to the be the only other green that can survive a Sacramento August…

March 2, 2010 at 5:07 pm

r4 sdhc

Hello
I like garden very much.I have also a beautiful garden in my home.Those are nice photographs.I also think that it is all because of weather.Thanks..

February 11, 2010 at 12:36 pm

Johanna

M&M — You two are the best.

Steve — Thanks for an additional vote of confidence.

KG — ok, ok, ok. You are right. And by the way — it’s zone 16. As for the tag on the mizuna starts, it says Cole Canyon Farm — http://colecanyonfarm.com

February 9, 2010 at 5:47 pm

KathyG

Dudes, get a grip! You live in Zone …. ohgod, what must it be? 15?! Rejoice in the balminess of it all. Here in Zone 1, we are out fondling frozen dirt clods and shriveled chard stumps.

OK, now for that kewl purple mizuna — I want some!!!! where do I find it?

February 9, 2010 at 4:10 pm

Steve’s garden supplies

I don’t know, sometimes no matter what you do mother nature makes her own mind up. Some seasons some crops grow fantastic and others not so good. Never had a season of all perfect crops!

February 9, 2010 at 11:10 am

Megan

Matti’s right! It’s the weather.

February 9, 2010 at 6:27 am

Johanna Silver

Matti? Matti Matti? Hi!! Thanks for the vote of confidence.

February 9, 2010 at 4:56 am

Matti

I would blame the weather. We received a lot more rain this season…thus less sun. Matti

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Westphoria explores the innovations and lifestyle trends of the 13 Western states, covering food, drink, design, arts and culture, and the dreamers who live here. To contact the editor, westphoria@sunset.com